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The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling that truthful communications between a physician and a drug company representative are protected speech under the First Amendment is a victory for patients, PhRMA General Counsel Mit Spears writes. Using drugs in ways that the FDA has not approved is valuable and even can be the standard of care. Ensuring timely and robust communications between health care professionals and biopharmaceutical firms is important as the focus increases on using the best possible therapies and controlling costs.

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The FDA granted a second fast-track designation to XBiotech USA's therapeutic monoclonal antibody MABp1 as a treatment for restenosis and vascular disease. The drug previously received a fast-track status for advanced cancer with related cachexia. XBiotech is seeking multiple approvals to create a new treatment paradigm -- that inhibiting chronic inflammation can address multiple diseases.

A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York voted 2-1 to overturn a pharmaceutical salesman's conviction for off-label drug marketing, citing violations against the sales representative's free speech rights under the First Amendment. The ruling could threaten FDA rules that prevent the marketing of treatments for uses that aren't specifically approved by the agency. PhRMA was pleased with the decision, saying it "believes that truthful and nonmisleading communication between biopharmaceutical companies and health care professionals is good for patients, because it facilitates the exchange of up-to-date and scientifically accurate information about new treatments."

H.I.G. Capital, which invests in biotech companies worldwide, has secured $268 million for its second venture fund, surpassing its goal of $250 million. The new fund, called H.I.G. BioVentures, is targeted at drug, medical device and diagnostic firms in North America.

President Barack Obama hosted the second annual White House Science Fair, honoring more than 100 students from 40 different competitions across the U.S. aimed at nurturing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "Most of our successful corporations ... were started by engineers -- people who use science and math to create things and solve problems," writes Bill Nye. "For the United States to remain the world leader in technological innovation, we need more engineers and more scientists."